Ijaw leaders decry marginalisation

The Ijaw in Warri, Delta State, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to halt what they describe as the marginalisation and discrimination by the Itsekiri against the ethnic group.

They explained that, since the creation of Warri-North Local Government Area in 1991, with the headquarter in Koko, only the Itsekiris have benefitted from political appointments.

The President of ‘Egbemas for Positive Change’, Mr. Ebimene Fetimi, alleged in a statement that Ijaw has been reduced to a second class race in the council.

He said: “Mr. President, the Itsekiri are the ones occupying all the positions, council positions. It is also on record that the Ijaws (Egbemas) are more than the Itsekiris in population, yet we are not represented, despite the fact that the council was created for both the Ijaw and the Itsekiri.

“We are dedicated and committed members of Peoples Democratic Party. Mr. President, you will recall that this complaint was brought to your attention by the Egbema Voice through our various publications in the media.

“While we were waiting for your response, Governor Udughan appointed Mr. David Edun (a native of Itsekiri) as the new caretaker committee chairman of the local government. This clearly shows that the governor is anti-Ijaw.

“This unholy act of the Itsekiri is totally against the spirit of the amended 1999 Constitution as provided for in Sections 14(4) and 15. It is on this note that we call for the removal of Mr. David Edun and demand for the appointment of an Ijaw as the caretaker committee chairman”.